GANDHI AND DISCRIMINATION

First of all, the film opens in 1893, a time when British colonial rule was at its height and influenced virtually all aspects of life in India.

In a very pivotal scene, Gandhi, while traveling in South Africa, is tossed off of a train for being a “kaffir” or a “non-Muslim African native” while seated in first-class accommodations aboard the train. At this point, Gandhi begins to understand that the laws within South Africa which at the time was also under British colonial rule, are extremely biased and discriminatory against not only his ethnic background (i.e., Indian) but also those of other persons who do not fit within society.

This could be compared to the experiences of many African-American citizens during the 1950's when they were forced to be segregated from white Americans, especially related to public transportation and the use of restrooms, washrooms and even having dinner in a restaurant, where blacks were often made to sit in separate rooms in order to be served.

Many state laws mandated that black Americans did not have the same rights as white Americans; thus, with Gandhi being thrown off the train in South Africa, the similarities are quite striking, especially since it is clear that the South African/British government discriminated against Gandhi simply because he was not a native Muslim of the country.

GANDHI'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

As the film progresses, Gandhi finds himself in a very strange situation, namely, that he has become in the eyes of most Indian nationals a true hero for his efforts to stop selective discrimination against his people in India.

It is interesting to note that Gandhi was born, raised and educated in England before he became immersed in the struggles of India to free itself from the control of the British Empire. At first, Gandhi is not sure how to respond to the discrimination, but he quickly decides to initiate a non-violent campaign against British rule by having millions of his fellow Indians participate in sit-down strikes and refusing to work or pay their taxes to the British government. This campaign succeeds far beyond his expectations, for in the end, after being imprisoned and treated with great disrespect by some of own people, the British government relinquishes and allows the nation of India to have its independence from the British Empire.

GANDHI, ROSA PARKS AND DR. KING

In many ways, this event is very similar to the success of the boycotts and sit-ins by black Americans in 1957 which persuaded President Eisenhower and the U.S. Congress to create new legislation that would guarantee the same rights and privileges to black Americans as compared to their white counterparts, particularly in the Deep South, where racial discrimination was rampant and affected the lives of all African-Americans in very negative ways.

Also, the character of Gandhi can be compared to that of Mrs. Rosa Parks. In December 1955, African-Americans in Montgomery, Alabama organized a bus boycott after Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. As a human being, Rosa Parks refused to be discriminated against simply because she was black and obviously found it very distressing that the laws in Alabama mandated that black passengers on public buses must give up their seats to white passengers.

Interestingly, the man who initiated this and other boycotts in the Deep South was Martin Luther King, Jr., who within a short period of time (much like Gandhi) gained national prominence for his non-violent protests against discrimination and segregation by invoking Christian morality, American ideals of liberty and the ethics of non-violent resistance begun by Mahatma Gandhi in his struggle against British colonial rule.

Much like Gandhi is portrayed in Attenborough's magnificent film, King lived to see his greatest triumph in the 1950's with the Supreme Court decision known as Gayle v. Browder, that effectively overturned the laws that enforced bus segregation in the city of Montgomery. Of course, in 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a disgruntled Muslim. Dr. King was also assassinated on April 4, 1968, almost forty years to the day of the death of Mahatma Gandhi.

Undoubtedly, director Richard Attenborough clearly had the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and early 1960's in mind when he decided to produce "Gandhi," due to many similarities between the film and the Civil Rights Movement, a fact which shows that the struggle for racial and ethnic rights and freedom is not confined to the U.S. and that regardless of where they are from, people must be free from tyranny and discrimination.

"Water" tells the story of eight-year-old Chuyia, who is sent to an ashram for Hindu widows when her arranged marriage ends with the death of her husband. From day one, young Chuyia stirs things up amongst the other more senior residents when she refuses to conform to the lifestyle her fate has chosen for her. All this is set in a time when the winds of change are blowing through India with the rise in popularity of a certain Mahatma Gandhi.

"Water" is a passionate and interesting film and well worth going to so long as it returns to the cinemas after the film festival is over - but bring some tissues, as this one tugs at the heart-strings.

“My mother will come to take me away…My mother will come to take me away….My mother will come to take me away…” she whispered repeatedly.

With that thought tucked in her mind, she quickly fell into a deep sleep, knowing that she is finally free from renunciation and bad karma. She is finally free from the evil Madhumati.

It was in the early in the morning when the train stopped. The crowd woke up at once, trying to peak outside the tainted windows and looking for signs of familiarity. Narayan tried to push himself near the windows, and for what seems to be a millisecond, he caught a glimpse of an old man standing in the middle of a courtyard. With all the excitement and exhilaration going around, Narayan never thought twice about who the man was. He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they are finally safe and rescued.

“Ghandi! Ghandi!” he shouted.

Everyone started shouting and rejoicing. In unison, they shouted Ghandi's name, threw their hands to the sky and thanked God. Chuyia, who was lying in the corner of the train, away from the crowded people, was dazed and wondering what was happening. People pushed and shoved, making their way out of the train. Narayan hurried to get young Chuyia, but she refused to go outside.

“What is this talk about Ghandi?” she asked. “Who is he?”

“This is the movement! Chuyia, we're safe! We're away from home!” Narayan replied, full of energy and delight.

“I want to go home! I want to go home!” Chuyia cried. Tears fell down her tiny cheeks. “I don't want to live here! I don't want to be another widow!” she screamed.

Narayan saw the pain in her eyes. He could never imagine what she was going through. Emotionally, she was still weak and could not grasp what was happening. Narayan wondered if she could ever move forward and adapt to another new life. Her head lowered, as if she was ashamed of herself.

“Chuyia, you're safe with me. I promise,” he explained.

“I want to go home! I want to go home! Take me home!”

Narayan grabbed her hand with desperation and force. He took her outside and there, they stood as Narayan looked around and discovered that they were finally in Calcutta. He looked up the sky and thought of Kalyani.

“I wanted to take you away. I wanted to take you here,” he whispered.

For the first time in weeks, Narayan smiled. He thought of how Kalyani would be so happy, knowing that Chuyia is free from all the emotional burdens and will not go through the same life that Kalyani lived and experienced. It was a new change and a new way to start over for the both of them.

“This is our new home, Chuyia,” he tried to explain, as he looked around the courtyard and saw their new beginning. The place wasn't perfect, but they were isolated from the cities and towns. No one would be able to find them and take away the freedom that they have always longed for. In this isolated place, there is no caste system and regulations that will separate the higher classes from the lower ones. It was hard to explain to Chuyia the feeling of independence and liberation. All that he could think of was that they were safe from all corruption, poverty, prostitution and forbidden love.

“My mother will take me away!” Chuyia shouted. Chuyia started running away. She pushed everyone aside and ran as fast as she could. Although she was weak and her small body no longer had the energy to move forward, she still kept running. She kept running until she realized that she didn't know where she was going and she didn't know the way home. She looked down again and tried to comprehend what was happening. For now, she had no choice but to go back. She had no choice but to put her trust in Narayan. She had no choice but to accept that she might not be coming back home at all. Tears poured down her cheeks as she headed back to the courtyard. She walked slower than usual this time, still looking at the ground.

“Are you lost?” an enigmatic voice asked. Chuyia looked up and saw a dark, good looking person with black-brown eyes. It was Shakuntala. She handed her a small handkerchief and touched her small face.

“Chuyia, we're safe now. Trust me when I say this,” she smiled.

“Madhumati told me she's taking me home! Madhumati told me I was going to be safe! But they hurt me,” she cried.

“You can trust me Chuyia. I will never hurt you,”

“No! You all lied to me! Kalyani is dead because of all of you! I don't want to be like Kalyani!” she screamed. Chuyia, once again, started running as fast as she could. However, this time, there was no stopping her.

“Chuyia, come back here! You can't run away forever!” Shakuntala cried.

Chuyia didn't listen. She pushed everyone aside and tried to find a way out. With each second, she kept turning and changing her mind. She knew nothing of the place and she couldn't trust anyone anymore. Worst of all, she could no longer trust herself. She tried to adapt to a new life. She tried to trust in herself and her belief, but her she could no longer trust her own mind. Kalyani was dead and she had no family. But at the same time, knowing that she was alone, she couldn't help but go back. This act of rebellion left everyone around her speechless. They were staring at her as all hell broke loose. She ran and ran until she stumbled upon an old man.

“Who are you running away from?” he asked.

Chuyia stopped for a second and thought of his question. She wasn't running away. There was nothing to run away from. There was no place to run to. She was caught in between.

“I just want to go home,” she looked down and stared at her feet.

“What's your name, young girl?” he asked.

“Chuyia,” she mumbled.

“Well, Chuyia, this is your home,” he answered with no hesitation. He looked down at her, but Chuyia refused to look back.

“I'm never coming back home, am I?” she asked.

“Sometimes you just can't go home. It's hard to explain, but I'm sure one day you'll understand that you're already home. This is the safest place you'll ever be.”

The man was right. Chuyia didn't understand what was happening. There was much talk about the movement, but she knew nothing about it. There was much talk about changing India but she saw no action being done. She was just an onlooker, trying to find beauty in a world so flawed. She didn't know what was truly happening, but whatever it was, she had to put her trust into someone. She wanted to argue and keep on running away, but she swallowed all her words and anger. She was getting tired. She walked away and cleared the thoughts in her mind.

She found a river near the courtyard, sat down, and took it all in. She looked at her reflection and reached for the water. The river seemed to flow endlessly, giving a sense of life-source and purity to her world. For now, the river becomes her source of hope and faith, but no one really knows for sure when the waters will run dry.

Introducing Tiffany Dupont is Queen Esther

Luke Goss is King Xerxes

Also Starring

Peter O’Toole, as Samuel, the Prophet

Omar Sharif, as Prince Memucan

Tommy Lister Jr., as Hagai

James Callis, as Hamen (aka Dr. Basheer)

John Rhys-Davies, as Mordecai (aka Gimley)

John Noble, as Prince Admantha (aka Borameer’s dad)

Jonah Lotan, as Jesse

Go see “One Night with the King”

This movie is epic and beautiful. Based on Tommy Tenney's best-selling book, “Hadassah,” and the author actually helped with a consistent vision for the film. (Although Stephan Blinn gets the screenplay credits.) It’s a full 2 hours and 3 minutes so drink your pop slowly. Rated PG, there’s nothing offensive.

Their was a time when a major actor might take part in a big budget film with a direct biblical theme, like the ten commandments with Charlton Heston, but those days had long disappeared. They were replaced by a number of nice-tries at evangelical-themed movies, and the occasional genius which is produced almost by accident from secular Hollywood. Then along came the Mel Gibson and the 20 million dollar, “Passion of the Christ.”

The bar has been set high and there is new hope among would-be Christian film makers that it can and should be done. Almost more to the point it could make money. Let’s face it—Hollywood wants a return on investment. If you want a good film be prepared to have it make someone money.

What sets this movie apart from the other, low-budget attempts?

Tons! This is a major budget film. Filmed partly on location in 3000 year old fort in India, this movie is as authentic as humanly possible. The director of photography, Stephen Bernstein, has been a part of over 90 movies, including “Like Water for Chocolate.”

There are some other neat trivia facts that helped make this movie unique and special. Rather than a “cattle call” to pick extras, Tommy Tenney asked 300 pastor’s wives from many denominations to come to India with a couple friends each. Tenney’s wife Jeannie wrote and performed a song for the film.

Larger Story

Yes its true there is no thinly-veiled, Christian overtones to this film—this is the real deal. This is a movie, which is in no small way, by, for, and about Christian themes. At the same time the story of Esther is Jewish more than “Christian.” It is about a threat to the Children of Israel and their eventual deliverance by God through the work of a few faithful.

This film is so epic and so well orchestrated that it speaks to many more issues than I can list here. I actually watched this film on opening day, but didn’t write this review until now because I was hoping to make time to see it again before writing it up.

My true, honest recommendation is that you go see this film in the theatre with friends and discuss it afterwards. When it comes out on video, buy it and watch it again. A few months after that see it again. I’m 100% sure that you will get more out of it each time.

Ok, I’ll give you this much of a teaser, if Esther beat out somewhere between 400 and 1400 other women to be picked by the King she had something besides a pretty face. True beauty, favor and grace, are all over the larger story.

Regarding Movies and Christianity:

The reality is that some Christians grew up in an old school tradition. They believe they know how the word of God can be presented, effectively and appropriately. They truth is that the word of God is a collection of stories. It was that, long before the Greeks made it about masterful oration. Can Hollywood mess up the story? Sure. Can they mess it up so badly that God can’t use it? I don’t think so. The best option is to support Christians who are doing their best to make these films.

Holly McClure has been involved in radio, TV, and film for nearly twenty years. In an interview with Steve Schulz of “the Elijah List,” Holly is quoted as saying, “This is the witnessing tool of the twenty-first century…movies are the pulpit of the world, whether it is a bad message, a good message, an unholy message, or a holy message…this is what people are learning by and gleaning from. Even though a movie may not be overtly Christian, the message or the word (is there), the Holy Spirit will use that to transform hearts and minds and lives…”

God was able to reach Paul on the road, no tent, no preacher, not even an alter call. The point of “One Night with the King” is that one moment of favor can overcome a lifetime of what you think your life is about. God can and will reach people through this movie.